Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD


Hi All.

Putting together a reference level system.
My Source is predominantly standard 16/44 played from a MacMini using iTunes and Amarra. Some of my music is purchased from iTunes and the rest is ripped from standard CD's.
For my tastes in music, my high def catalogues are still limited; so Redbook 16/44 will be my primary source for quite some time.

I'm not spending DCS or MSB money. But $15-20k retail is not out of the question.

Upsampling vs non-upsampling?
USB input vs SPDIF?

All opinions welcome.

And I know I need to hear them, but getting these ultra $$$ DAC's into your house for an audition ain't easy.

Looking for musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension. Not looking for analytical and sterile.
mattnshilp
G, thanks.  I did realize about current draw, but your answer put it into better perspective for me.  I am trying like heck to watch what we use and I have installed LED bulbs everywhere in the house and am about to put them in my wood shop too.  I've noticed my bill drop a fair amount which is nice.  Even coming out of standby, I notice a fair large difference in the size of the sound stage and even tonality.  I have left my Ayre pieces on full time during burn in and have been burning in my Vandersteen Quatro's 24/7.  Since it's not burned in yet, I don't know if it's leaving the amps on full time or the break in, but it's probably both.  It's really starting to sing.  

I think I'll try leaving them on since it seems to be better for them, but even with the the stress of on and off, there shouldn't ever be a problem with the amps.  Greatly appreciate your response. Thanks so much.

On a side note, I thank everyone for this thread and not JUST Matt, lol.  I've learned so much or had opinions strengthened by so many of you.  Thanks for letting me play in this league.
The McIntosh MDA 1000, although is 2004 technology, is still pretty awesome with redbook,
I agree with kclone. I recently acquired a Mac MDA1000 and am amazed how great it is. It's the last dac I'll ever need as I only listen to redbook cd's. It replaced an Electrocompaniet ECD-1dac which is another outstanding redbook dac. I currently have it for sale.
Odsx and DAVE on route back to me. Yay!!!

still waiting on my LH2. Sorry for the delay. 
this is a great thread, thanks for the input and information everyone. So, a lot of people keep saying things are moving fast, DACs will improve at a rapid rate. If so, why would it make any sense to buy a 20 grand plus DAC other than you want to enjoy the high quality sound now? Or could it be that even though things may be improving, it may take a long time for sub 5 grand DACs to get to the sound quality level of something like a Davinci Light Harmonic?